Val Stone Photography - Through My Eyes

Adorable Newborn Boy!

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Hayden, who was the sweetest little man ever! Mom had asked specifically for the pose of him sleeping in their hands. We tried to get it from the very first shot! Hayden finally obliged on the very last photo taken!! ....I try so hard to keep up with my blog, but after almost ten years in business, I should probably just resign myself to the fact that I just don't post often enough!! However, I told mom I'd post this one and a couple others... Enjoy, and I can't wait to see you all again in a few months!

March (Mini Session) Madness at JC Raulston Arboretum

Schedule Your Mini Session Today for March or April

A mini portrait session on location at the beautiful JC Raulston Arboretum  in Raleigh is the PERFECT way to update your children's or teen's photos or get a jump start on spring/Easter portraits without the time, stress or expense of a full location session!  This year we'll be trying something new... Many of you have said that you'd love to do a mini session but have a hard time scheduling on the one or two days, or during the limited hours, that they are being offered.  So, this year, we thought we'd try to let you pick the date and time. Mini sessions will be offered weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm. However, there will only be a limited number of mini sessions available per week and per month. We always have a LOT of interest in our mini sessions, so please call or email as soon as possible if you have questions or would like to reserve a time for your children or family! 919-637-9894

Prices, and additional Information...

Each mini session will last 30 minutes. You will be provided with at least 10 or more proofs. On-line proof galleries (if applicable) will be provided in a private shopping cart within approximately one week following your session. Portraits and products will be available for pick-up within 2-3 weeks of placing your order.  There are no minimum orders.

 

Option 1 - Traditional Mini Arboretum Session

$50 (1-2 siblings)

$100 (3-4 siblings or immediate family up to 5 people for up to an hour)

Ala carte prints will be available at 30% off regular prices, when ordered within one week.

High resolution jpgs will be offered for $100 per image or the entire set for $425, when ordered within one week.

 

Option 2 - Digital Mini Arboretum Session

$425 (1-2 siblings)

$475  (3-4 siblings or immediate family up to 5 people for up to an hour)

Includes all images (in both color and black and white) delivered in high resolution jpg format on CD, with limited copyright usage for personal use.  On-line proof galleries will not be provided, however ala carte prints will be available for 30% off regular prices, when ordered within one week of CD delivery.

 

 

Has Autism Touched Your Life? Models Needed for Autism Awareness Project!

Many of my clients know my son's story from chatting during our photo sessions, but for those that don't... As a former educator with experience in both gifted education and special education, I thought I was ready for everything and anything. And then I had Tanner. Tanner was born with a congenital birth defect called malrotation of the intestines. He almost died when he was 4 days old, but thanks to amazing surgeons and the grace of God, he pulled through. We thought the tough times were behind us. But, by 18 months when his pediatrician referred him to a specialist due to "red flags for Autism," we knew there was more to come. Over the next several years, we found that despite being incredibly gifted academically, Tanner struggled with appropriate behaviors, attention, eating, sensory processing, social/communication skills and motor skills. We spent a great deal of time during the preschool years shuffling between physical therapy, occupational therapy, feeding therapy and social skills therapy. Although Tanner was never diagnosed as having Autism or one of the associated Autistic Spectrum Disorders, we were told numerous times by different evaluators that he struggled with a lot of the same types of issues. While I still worry about Tanner and how he will tackle each future challenge, today he's an A/B honor roll student in middle school, with aspirations of being an engineer, a drummer in a rock band or an NHL player. Haha! He has many friends, plays sports, participates in extra-curricular activities and, though he still has some struggles, for the most part he is a typical 11 year old boy!

Most people that meet Tanner have no idea that he ever had any issues or difficulties at all. I believe Early Intervention was Key, as has been the on-going support he's gotten at home and through the school system! During his early years I spent a lot of time reading, talking to specialists and researching, but in the end I realized that Tanner doesn't just march to the beat of his own drum, he simply hears violins instead. That realization was life changing for ME. I often tell this story to other parents as they are fretting over their own children because I think it's important to know that we are not alone.

With that said, I was so honored last week when asked to take part in an Autism awareness project called Stories of Autism. Stories of Autism is a non-profit organization focused on Autism awareness and projects which can be used to educate and raise funds for various Autism related groups. My task is to photograph one (or more) children who have an Autism diagnosis and to present one photo per session, along with that child's story, to the Stories of Autism organization (Identifying information, such as last name, will be kept confidential.) The photos and stories will be used on-line and in other forms of media to generate awareness. Therefore, I am searching for subjects with an Autism diagnosis to photograph. Chosen subjects will receive a complimentary session, along with an 8x10 print of your choice as a thank you. Of course, any images taken during the session will be available for purchase at a sizeable discount, but additional purchases are not necessary or required.

If you have a child with Autism and would like to assist with this project, please contact me as soon as possible and I will provide additional information for you to view prior to making any decisions or commitments. I must turn in the photos by the end of March and have limited spaces available, so the sooner I hear from you, the better!. Also, feel free to forward this information to anyone who may be interested. It will be a blessing if my work can help even one person.

 My Beautiful Tanner....

Why Give Flowers When You Can Give Photos?

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show your loved ones how much you care by giving the most precious gift of portrait photography!  Purchase a session for your special someone using one of the great specials below, or simply give a gift certificate that can be used towards any sessions or prints!  Contact us today to place your order!

 

New Digital Session Packages and Winter Savings!

Thanks for all the great feedback on the new website! 

Digital Session Packages are Here!
In addition to the new website, be sure to check out the new digital session package options.  Now, you can purchase your session and high resolution digital images together with prices starting at just $250!  With your choice of a mini studio session and a 10 image disk, a full studio or location session with a 25 image disk, along with any of our traditional sessions and ala carte print, product and canvas choices, there is definitely something for everyone!  For pricing and all the other details, please visit the Val Stone Photography website and check under the Information tab on the left!

Winter Savings and Discounts
It feels more like spring with the weather we've had recently, but both Punxsutawney Phil and Sir Walter Wally saw their shadows today and predicted six more weeks of winter.  So, in honor of our favorite groundhogs, we're celebrating our extended winter with Savings!

Newborn Special... Buy One, Get One Free
That's right!!  Just for new moms and dads... Purchase a full studio or location session for your newborn (digital or traditional) and get a complimentary 6 month traditional mini studio session for free! Also, save 10% off your ala carte print order from both sessions!
The Fine Print: Newborns must be 3 months or younger at the time of the newborn session, and the session must take place by March 31st, 2012.  The complimentary traditional mini session will be scheduled for when your baby is 6-8 months old, and by November 15th, 2012. Ala carte orders must be received within seven days of receiving the proof gallery in order to receive the 10% discount!

Winter Special for the Rest of Us
And for those who don't have newborns?  Well, we've got a winter discount just for you, too!  Call to book your 2012 session this month, and save 10% off your ala carte print and product order!  Sessions must take place by October 31st... It's a great way to plan ahead and save on this year's portraits!
The Fine Print:  Purchase any of our traditional or digital sessions by February 29th, 2012, and mention this special to save 10% off your ala carte print and product order!  Sessions must take place by October 31st, 2012 and ala carte order must be received within seven days of receiving the proof gallery in order to receive the 10% discount!

Babies On The Beach
We've been down in Florida the past week and it's got me ready for summer!  The beach is such a great place for photos of your babies (and your big kids, too)!  Last spring and summer I had many requests for a beach session package but just wasn't able to make it happen with the complications during the end of my pregnancy and then with a newborn!  If you're interested in a beach session for your children or family this year, please let me know as soon as possible!  If there's enough interest, we can put together a Beach Session Collection that will offer savings for everyone. Individual families can always schedule destination sessions on the coast of NC around their own family vacations. 

Here's a few of my kiddos from our family trip...

Ringing in the New Year with a New Website!

2012!  Really?  How in the world did that happen?  Where did 2011 go?  And 2010?  Wasn't it just 2009?  The years just keep on rolling by, faster than I can keep count!  2011 was an amazing year full of great clients, and a new baby in our own family!  And I imagine that 2012 is going to be just as AWESOME!

Our new and improved website is LIVE and ready for browsing, with an updated portfolio and great new features, such as a mobile site you can access from your phone and a Fine Art Photography section (coming soon)!  As always, my site and blog are works in progress, where we'll constantly be adding new images, products and ideas!  Please check it out and let us know what you think. 

www.ValStonePhotography.com

Looking back through all my old sessions for the portfolio on my new website got me thinking about how quickly our little ones grow up!  People always ask me the BEST time to have portraits taken... whether it's OK to wait til their newborn has some more "baby fat" or if they should really spend the money now when their toddlers are going to just change again and look different in three months.  But, isn't that point??  You want to capture every single stage... So, my response always is, NOW is the best time to get those portraits taken. It doesn't matter if there's a bit of baby acne or a missing tooth (or teeth, as is the case with my own son right now).  Looking back, you won't want to have missed a single second. 

Circa 2007... They're only small enough to hold our hands for a short time...

Just one...

I was working on preparing proofs from a recent session...and just fell in love with this photo of 15 month old Jude!!  What I love the most is the part that you can't see....he's looking up at Mom. 

Perfect Fall Photo!

Sometimes you have the perfect portait in mind... but your subject has other plans.  And in the end, it turns out even better than you ever imagined.  Haha!

There are still a couple slots left for the Glimpse of Santa Sessions.  Contact us as soon as possible to reserve your spot!

Fall Into Savings!!

It's that time of year when our thoughts turn to cool nights, fall leaves and the upcoming holidays!!  I LOVE it! 

HOLIDAY DEADLINES AND AVAILABILITY
Our session deadline for 2011 is November 15th. Holiday orders are due by Monday, November 21st.  There are a limited number of full studio and location sessions left.  If you are interested in booking a session this season, please contact us as soon as possible to reserve your spot on the calendar.
Val@valstonephotography.com

MINI SESSION MADNESS SALE
Looking for a few updated photos or that perfect shot to use on your Christmas cards?  Our studio mini sessions are the answer!!  Check out our new studio backdrop and floor options here!  They're great for babies and preschoolers!

Option 1: 50% of your $65 session fee will apply towards your print order.  In addition, take 10% off all prints with your $250 minimum order (canvas portraits and cards not included).
Option 2: $500 mini session package includes a $500 print credit, 10% off print orders over the credit (canvas portraits and cards not included) and 2 high resolution jpg images of your choice, perfect to use on holiday cards or for photo gifts.

Sessions must be booked and take place by November 15, 2011.

FUN PHOTO DAYS 
We have two great Fun Photo Days planned at the studio to celebrate the season!  Our Fun Photo Days are a great way to purchase holiday prints at reduced prices.

 

 HALLOWEEN PHOTO DAY - NO SESSION FEE!
Bring your little ghost or goblin (or cowboy) into the studio for Halloween costume photos on Thursday, October 27th.  No session fees.  Just reserve a time and come in to have your little ones photographed in costume.  You'll have the opportunity to order prints on-the-spot for up to 50% off.  Prints up to size 8x10 are 50% off and prints 11x14 or larger are 30% off. Available to a limited number of clients per half hour, so please call by October 25th to reserve your spot between 9:00 am and 1:30 pm.  Also, please arrive to the studio in costume, or as close as possible.  There are no minimum orders or obligations to purchase. 

 

 

GLIMPSE OF SANTA PHOTO DAY - $35 SESSION FEE
These are not your typical Santa photos!!!  Get the perfect Santa photo for your cards, gifts or mantle at our "Glimpse of Santa" Fun Photo Day on November 17th.  You'll have the opportunity to order prints on-the-spot for 30% off.  Available to a limited number of clients, so call early to schedule your appointment.  Also, please arrive to the studio dressed and ready for photos.  We recommend children be dressed in red, white, black or denim. Feel free to bring holiday props, such as lollipops, candy canes or Santa hats.



 

 

 

New Look For Studio Portraits, New Website, and New Framing Choices!

You know how the one thing all of us moms really want is ONE great shot of our kids together??  Well, I got that shot!  This one is printed Big, on canvas, and hanging right across from my bed so that I can see their beautiful faces every time I wake up!  (And yes, I did have to bribe Tanner both to take off his shirt and to sit still, but it was OH SO WORTH IT!)

 

So one of the many things I got to do while on maternity leave (besides smooching on my adorable new baby) was FINALLY having some time to work on some much needed studio and website updates.  (I know...can you believe that being on maternity leave with a new baby would give me more free time than when I was working?? Go figure!! )   

The new and updated website will be unveiled in early October and will include both html and mobile device options!  And the new framing options will also be available in October!  However, the new studio backdrop and flooring selections are already here and in use!  Now, of course, you'll still have all the same options as always, but I am really excited to be able to offer a variety of new looks, while still keeping in line with my clean and contemporary style.  In addition to what's shown here, there are three more backdrops, including a blue one just for boys, and all backdrops and floors can be mixed and matched!  Here's a few examples with my adorable daughter, Kylan (Yes, I'm totally biased!!):

Ok, I'm posting this one because I think it's kinda strange that she's so close to sitting up at only 4 months old!!  She holds herself up and stands, too!  Yikes, I better start the baby-proofing!

And here are a couple of my ADORABLE clients who recently got to try out our new looks!